kitio.aiMicrosoft Designer vs Linearity
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Microsoft Designer starts at See pricing page and Linearity starts at $10/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Prompt to design
- Generative erase
- Background replace
- Restyle image
- Sticker creator
- Prompt-to-campaign generator
- Editable vector output
- Resize and translate designs
- Keyframe animation
- Team brand assets
| Feature | Microsoft Designer | Linearity |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Microsoft's AI app for social posts, invites and graphics | Design app that turns one prompt into editable on-brand campaign assets |
| Category | Design | Design |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting price | See pricing page | $10/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Made by | Microsoft | Linearity GmbH |
| Based in | United States | Germany |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Microsoft Designer starts at See pricing page and Linearity starts at $10/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Pro
$10/mo
- 800 credits a month
- Vector design and animation
Studio
$30/mo
- From 4,875 credits a month
- For individuals and teams
Business
$80/mo
- From 9,750 credits a month
- Advanced team controls
Custom
Contact sales
- Larger shared AI credits
- SSO and permissions
- Unlimited cloud storage
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Microsoft Designer
- Free with a Microsoft account
- Very simple prompt-first workflow
- Built into Microsoft 365 apps
- Limited layout control
- Fewer templates than dedicated suites
- Credit limits on free use
Linearity
- Generated designs stay fully editable
- Strong vector tools underneath
- Affordable entry plan
- AI output limited by monthly credits
- Team plans cost much more
- Some enterprise controls still coming
Which one should you choose?
Choose Microsoft Designer if you want:
- Free with a Microsoft account
- Very simple prompt-first workflow
- Built into Microsoft 365 apps
Watch out: limited layout control.
Choose Linearity if you want:
- Generated designs stay fully editable
- Strong vector tools underneath
- Affordable entry plan
Watch out: ai output limited by monthly credits.
Microsoft Designer vs Linearity FAQ
What is the difference between Microsoft Designer and Linearity?
Microsoft Designer: Microsoft's AI app for social posts, invites and graphics. Linearity: Design app that turns one prompt into editable on-brand campaign assets. Both are design tools.
Is Microsoft Designer or Linearity cheaper?
Microsoft Designer starts at See pricing page and Linearity starts at $10/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Microsoft Designer and Linearity have free plans?
Microsoft Designer: Yes. Linearity: No.
Who makes Microsoft Designer?
Microsoft Designer is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes Linearity?
Linearity is made by Linearity GmbH, based in Germany.
Which should I choose, Microsoft Designer or Linearity?
Choose Microsoft Designer if you value free with a microsoft account and very simple prompt-first workflow. Choose Linearity if you value generated designs stay fully editable and strong vector tools underneath.